All orders are protected by SSL encryption – the highest industry standard for online security from trusted vendors.
Ejaculation Guru: How To Last Over 30 Minutes In Bed Naturally is backed with a 60 Day No Questions Asked Money Back Guarantee. If within the first 60 days of receipt you are not satisfied with Wake Up Lean™, you can request a refund by sending an email to the address given inside the product and we will immediately refund your entire purchase price, with no questions asked.
Relationships of all kinds are dynamic. There are ups and downs, seasons of flourishing, and seasons that feel frustrating and dry. Whether romantic, familial, or platonic, they all require care, attention, and intention to thrive.
Our days are so filled with obligations, pressures, and distractions. It’s easy to slip into autopilot, where communication becomes transactional, and moments of connection feel few and far between.
Before we know it, we’re just not connecting in the ways we need the most. Communication might feel tense or rushed. Resentment can build up. Where we long to feel trust and easy intimacy, we might feel distance.
When connection feels thin, there’s usually a main culprit: We’ve forgotten how to be fully present with this person we care about so much. If we’re wrapped up in the past, holding on to frustrations or grievances, we’re more likely to miss moments of potential gratitude, closeness, and support. If we’re caught up in worry about the future, we’re more likely to miss the goodness that abounds in the here and now.
The newly launched Relationship Affirmations Deck explores the many ways in which mindfulness offers a powerful antidote to this disconnect. By incorporating mindfulness into our relationships, we can cultivate deeper understanding, empathy, playfulness, and appreciation for those we hold dear.
4 Simple, Mindful Practices to Nourish Relationships
Whether you’re looking to reconnect after a period of distance, or you just want to build on what you already have, mindful relationship practices can help. Let’s look at four mindful ways to nourish connection in your relationships, helping them grow stronger and more fulfilling over time.
1. Practice Active Listening
Here’s a question to gently ask yourself: How often do I truly listen to others without planning a response, letting my thoughts wander, or interrupting? It’s more challenging than you might think.
Active listening is a cornerstone of mindfulness in relationships, requiring full presence and an open heart.
What is active listening?
Active listening involves giving your undivided attention to the speaker, genuinely seeking to understand their perspective. This means suspending judgment, refraining from offering solutions unless asked, and showing that you value their words.
How to incorporate active listening into your relationship
Here are three ways you can boost your active listening skills.
Don’t let distraction get the upper hand. Put away devices like phones or laptops. Face the person you’re speaking with, maintain eye contact, and let them know they have your attention.
Use verbal and nonverbal cues. Nod, lean in, smile, or say things like, “I hear you,” or “Tell me more.” These small gestures show engagement and encouragement.
Reflect and validate. When your conversation partner is done talking, it can help to summarize what they’ve said to confirm you understand. For example: “It sounds like you felt hurt when that happened. Is that right?” Remember, validation doesn’t mean agreeing; it simply acknowledges their feelings as real and understandable.
By practicing active listening, you create a reliable space for your partner or loved one to share openly, which strengthens trust and intimacy.
2. Be Intentional About Gratitude and Appreciation
In long-term relationships, it’s easy to take the other person for granted. Over time, we may focus more on what’s lacking or on minor annoyances than on the things we admire about our partner, family members, or close friends.
Why gratitude matters in relationships
Gratitude shifts attention to the positive aspects of your relationship, reminding you of the qualities and experiences you cherish. When expressed regularly, appreciation fosters feelings of being seen, valued, and loved.
At first it can feel awkward to be intentional about gratitude. Calling out specific examples might even feel a little silly. But this practice has been shown again and again to shift our perspective, to sharpen our awareness of all the goodness around us and all the ways we’re held up and supported. All of this makes us better friends, partners, parents, and co-workers, deepening the bonds we share.
How to practice gratitude together
If you want to boost your experience of gratitude and aren’t sure where to begin, here are three simple strategies that can get you started.
Start a daily gratitude practice. This does not have to be complicated or drawn out! Each day, share one thing you’re grateful for about your partner or your relationship. It could be something small, like how they made you coffee, or something significant, like their support during a tough time.
Write thank-you or love notes. Leave a heartfelt note expressing appreciation for something specific they’ve done. Over time, these little gestures build a reservoir of positive feelings.
Celebrate the small wins. Acknowledge and celebrate each other’s achievements, no matter how minor. Recognizing effort strengthens your bond and boosts mutual respect.
When gratitude becomes a habit, it acts as a glue that holds your relationship together through ups and downs. Over time, noticing what’s working becomes the default. When frustrations or disappointments occur—which they inevitably will in our imperfect human relationships—you’ll have this large bank of truthful, positive reminders to draw from.
3. Be Present for Shared Experiences
Relationships thrive on shared experiences, but the depth of connection depends on how present you are in those moments. Whether it’s a dinner date, a weekend hike, or simply watching a movie together, mindfulness can transform routine activities into meaningful bonding opportunities.
What is shared presence and why does it matter?
It’s easy to assume that spending time together automatically equals connection. But proximity isn’t the same as presence. You can sit next to someone for hours and still feel a million miles apart. What transforms time into connection is being fully there.
“Being present” is a phrase you’ll see a lot in mindful spaces. While it can sound a little vague and New Agey, in reality, it’s a very practical approach to investing in our ordinary, everyday lives.
When we talk about being fully present, what we mean is that we’re marshaling our attention on purpose. That looks like putting our focus on the person we’re with, opening our ears and our hearts to them. It also involves being in our bodies—noticing sights, sounds, smells, and sensations—instead of always stuck in our heads and the stories we get hooked on. We’re not getting caught up in something that happened earlier or something that’s going to happen later. When our attention drifts, which it will, we just gently bring it back.
When you’re fully present, even mundane moments become an opportunity for connection. Presence fosters intimacy, as it shows the person you’re with that they are worth your undivided attention.
Ideas for mindful shared experiences
There are so many fun and creative ways to build shared experiences. Here are just a few ideas you can try:
Mindful meals. Shared meals used to be a cornerstone of cultural connection, and in some places, people are trying to bring them back to combat the epidemic of loneliness that has seeped into Western culture. A mindful meal is simply a meal without distractions. It doesn’t have to be fancy at all. The focus is on savoring the flavors, enjoying the ambiance, and engaging in conversation.
Digital detox dates. Set aside time to disconnect from screens and connect with each other. Use this time to talk, play a game, or try something new together.
Explore something new. Novelty and spontaneity strengthen bonds by creating new, positive associations. Take a dance class, cook a new recipe, or visit a place neither of you has been before.
Practice mindfulness together. Meditate, do yoga, or simply sit quietly and breathe together. Shared mindfulness practices can deepen your emotional connection and align your energies.
One additional benefit of intentional presence? We remember things more vividly. By being fully present during shared experiences, you create memories that are rich in connection and joy.
4. Practice Compassion and Forgiveness
No relationship is immune to conflict or mistakes. In these moments, the way we respond determines whether we drift apart or grow closer. Practicing compassion and forgiveness is a mindful approach to navigating challenges while strengthening the bond between you.
Why compassion and forgiveness are so crucial to connection
Compassion involves understanding and caring for your partner’s feelings, even when you disagree or feel hurt. It’s about recognizing their humanity and approaching difficulties with kindness rather than judgment.
Forgiveness is an emotionally-complicated and often-misunderstood concept. People sometimes fear that forgiveness is the same as saying what happened was okay, or that it means we “forget” or pretend it never happened. That isn’t the case with healthy forgiveness.
Holding onto resentment creates barriers to intimacy. Forgiveness doesn’t mean condoning hurtful behavior, but rather letting go of the emotional weight it carries, so you can move forward together.
How to practice compassion and forgiveness
Studies have shown that a regular mindfulness practice makes forgiveness easier, in part because it expands our compassion and makes seeing another perspective less difficult. Here are five habits that foster real, healthy compassion and forgiveness.
Pause before reacting. When emotions flare, take a breath. That pause can be the difference between a response that builds connection and one that tears it down.
Include yourself. Often the person we are hardest on is ourselves. The more we practice taming our ferocious inner critic, the more likely we are to be able to extend that same grace to others.
Seek understanding. Ask yourself: What might they be feeling or fearing? What’s beneath their words or actions?
Apologize and accept apologies. A sincere “I’m sorry” can be healing. So can saying, “I forgive you.” Neither one erases the hurt, but both open the door to repair.
Let go of what no longer serves you. Resentment is heavy. Releasing it—through mindfulness, journaling, or therapy—creates space for something lighter.
Compassion and forgiveness aren’t always easy. Some might say that these can be the most challenging part of a mindfulness journey, but they are what allows relationships to grow through challenges rather than crumble beneath them.
Building a Relationship That Feels Alive
Mindfulness in relationships isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence—about showing up, over and over, in small but meaningful ways. When we listen deeply, express gratitude, share moments with presence, and choose compassion, we create a relationship that feels alive, tender, and worth tending to.
And here’s the beautiful thing: every moment is a chance to begin again. So, whether you’re navigating a tough season or just looking to strengthen what’s already good, start small. Start today. The relationships that matter most are worth it.
Put the Focus Back On Connection with Relationship Affirmations
If you’re looking for a wonderful companion product that can support your journey to mindful, meaningful connection, you’ll love our new Relationship Affirmations card deck.
52 beautifully designed, high-quality cards, each featuring a unique mindful phrase.
A simple wooden holder to display each day’s card. A QR code on the back of each card that links to 25 bonus premium digital practices, like coaching and guided meditations.
This deck provides a simple reminder that brings your attention back to gratitude, compassion, honest communication, and healthy interactions. Whether used alone or with a loved one, these cards can provide the gentle structure and support to help you grow your relationships with care and intention.
From Procrastination to Productivity: The Surprising Benefits of Setting Goals
Are you tired of feeling stuck in a rut, constantly procrastinating, and struggling to achieve your goals? Setting goals can be a game-changer for your productivity and overall well-being. In this article, we’ll explore the surprising benefits of setting goals and how it can help you transform from a procrastinator to a productive individual.
The Power of Setting Goals
Setting goals is an essential part of achieving success in any area of your life. When you set goals, you’re essentially creating a roadmap for yourself, outlining what you want to achieve and how you plan to achieve it. This process helps you to focus your efforts, stay motivated, and make progress towards your objectives.
Setting goals also helps you to:
Clarify your priorities and values
Create a sense of purpose and direction
Identify potential obstacles and develop contingency plans
Build self-confidence and self-esteem
Develop a growth mindset and learn from failures
The Surprising Benefits of Setting Goals
Setting goals may seem simple, but the benefits it provides are numerous and often surprising. Here are a few examples:
Improved Mental Health: When you set goals, you’re more likely to experience a sense of accomplishment and pride, which can improve your mental health and reduce stress and anxiety.
Increased Motivation: Setting goals gives you something to work towards, increasing your motivation and drive to achieve your objectives.
Better Time Management: With clear goals, you’re better equipped to manage your time effectively, prioritize tasks, and avoid procrastination.
Enhanced Creativity: Setting goals can stimulate your creativity and inspire new ideas and perspectives.
Improved Focus: When you have a clear goal in mind, you’re more focused on what you want to achieve, reducing distractions and minimizing the likelihood of procrastination.
Overcoming Procrastination
For many people, procrastination is a major obstacle to achieving their goals. Putting things off until the last minute can lead to missed deadlines, lost opportunities, and a sense of overwhelm. Setting goals can help you overcome procrastination in several ways:
Break Down Large Tasks into Smaller Ones: Breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks can make them feel less daunting, reducing the likelihood of procrastination.
Create a Schedule and Stick to It: By scheduling your tasks and sticking to your plan, you’re more likely to stay on track and avoid procrastination.
Use the Pomodoro Technique: This technique involves working in focused intervals (typically 25 minutes) followed by a short break. This can help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
Celebrate Small Wins: Celebrating small victories can help you stay motivated and encouraged, reducing the temptation to procrastinate.
Setting Goals the SMART Way
When setting goals, it’s essential to make them SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Here’s what each of these criteria entails:
Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
Measurable: Quantify your goal so you can track progress.
Achievable: Ensure your goal is realistic and achievable.
Relevant: Align your goal with your values and priorities.
Time-bound: Set a specific deadline or timeframe for achieving your goal.
Conclusion
Setting goals is a powerful tool for transforming your life and achieving success. By setting clear, SMART goals, you can overcome procrastination, increase motivation, and improve your mental and emotional well-being. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you can develop a more productive and goal-oriented approach to life.
FAQs
Q: How often should I set new goals?
A: It’s essential to set new goals regularly to stay motivated and focused. Aim to set new goals every 3-6 months.
Q: What if I set a goal and don’t achieve it?
A: Don’t be discouraged if you don’t achieve your goal. Instead, reflect on what went wrong and adjust your approach for the next attempt.
Q: How do I stay motivated to achieve my goals?
A: Celebrate small wins, use positive self-talk, and surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you.
Q: Can I set too many goals?
A: Yes, it’s possible to set too many goals. Prioritize your goals and focus on the most important ones first.
Q: How do I know if my goals are SMART?
A: Ask yourself the following questions:
Is my goal specific?
Can I measure my progress towards my goal?
Is my goal achievable?
Is my goal relevant to my values and priorities?
Is my goal time-bound?
If you can answer "yes" to these questions, your goal is likely to be SMART.
Creating a home gym can be a daunting task, especially for those on a tight budget. However, with a little creativity and planning, it’s possible to build a functional and effective workout space that rivals those found in high-end gyms. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of "Sweat Like a Pro, Spend Like a Student" and provide a comprehensive guide on how to create a budget-friendly home gym.
Why Create a Home Gym?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of building a home gym, let’s talk about why it’s a great idea. Having a home gym can be a game-changer for those who lead busy lives or have difficulty finding time to visit a traditional gym. With a home gym, you can work out at your own pace, whenever and wherever you want. This level of flexibility is hard to come by in a traditional gym setting, where you’re often limited by equipment availability and class schedules.
Another significant benefit of having a home gym is the cost savings. Gym memberships can be expensive, especially if you’re paying for a premium membership with access to high-end equipment and amenities. By creating a home gym, you can avoid these costs and invest your money in other areas of your life.
Assessing Your Space
Before you start building your home gym, it’s essential to assess the space you have available. Consider the following factors:
Room size: How much space do you have available for your home gym? A larger room will give you more flexibility when it comes to equipment selection.
Ceiling height: Make sure you have enough clearance for any equipment you plan to install, such as pull-up bars or suspension training systems.
Natural light: If possible, choose a room with natural light to create a more uplifting and energizing workout environment.
Noise level: If you live in an apartment or shared living space, consider the noise level of your workouts and choose equipment that won’t disturb others.
Budget-Friendly Equipment Options
When it comes to building a home gym, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of investing in high-end equipment. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available that can provide an effective workout.
Resistance bands: These versatile bands can be used for strength training, stretching, and even as a makeshift pull-up bar.
Adjustable dumbbells: These compact dumbbells can be adjusted to different weights, making them a great space-saving option.
Kettlebells: Kettlebells are a great way to add variety to your workouts and can be used for strength training, cardio, and even as a makeshift weight for exercises like squats and lunges.
Folding exercise bike: A folding exercise bike is a great way to add cardio to your workouts without taking up too much space.
DIY Projects
One of the best ways to save money when building a home gym is to get creative with DIY projects. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
DIY pull-up bar: Use a sturdy wooden beam or metal rod to create a pull-up bar. You can attach it to the ceiling or a wall, depending on your space.
Homemade suspension training system: Use resistance bands and a few sturdy hooks to create a suspension training system. This can be used for exercises like push-ups, squats, and lunges.
DIY exercise ball: Fill a large exercise ball with sand or water to create a budget-friendly alternative to a traditional exercise ball.
Setting Up Your Home Gym
Once you have your equipment and DIY projects in place, it’s time to set up your home gym. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Create a workout station: Set up a dedicated workout station with a mirror, a water bottle, and any other essentials you need.
Organize your equipment: Keep your equipment organized and within reach to avoid clutter and distractions.
Add some motivation: Hang up motivational quotes, photos, or workout goals to keep you motivated and focused.
Tips for Effective Workouts
A home gym is only as effective as the workouts you put in. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your home gym:
Create a workout routine: Plan out your workouts in advance to ensure you’re getting a balanced routine.
Start slow: Don’t try to do too much too soon. Start with shorter workouts and gradually increase the intensity and duration.
Mix it up: Vary your workouts to avoid plateaus and prevent overuse injuries.
Conclusion
Building a home gym doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity and planning, you can create a functional and effective workout space that rivals those found in high-end gyms. Remember to assess your space, choose budget-friendly equipment options, and get creative with DIY projects. By following these tips, you can create a home gym that will help you achieve your fitness goals and save you money in the long run.
FAQs
Q: What’s the most important thing to consider when building a home gym?
A: The most important thing to consider is the space you have available. Make sure you have enough room for your equipment and can move around comfortably.
Q: What’s the best way to save money when building a home gym?
A: The best way to save money is to choose budget-friendly equipment options and get creative with DIY projects.
Q: How can I stay motivated and focused in my home gym?
A: Hang up motivational quotes, photos, or workout goals to keep you motivated and focused. You can also create a workout routine and track your progress to stay on track.
Q: What’s the most effective way to use my home gym?
A: The most effective way to use your home gym is to create a workout routine and stick to it. Vary your workouts to avoid plateaus and prevent overuse injuries.
Antibiotics are powerful medications that save countless lives every day. But they’re not the answer for every illness.
Antibiotics treat only some infections caused by bacteria – and none caused by viruses. Most often, antibiotics work by killing the targeted bacteria or by making it difficult for the bacteria to multiply.
Talk to your health care professional about the best treatment for you when you are sick. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration encourages taking all medications, including antibiotics, as directed by your health care professional.
Here’s how you can safely use antibiotics so you can get well, protect yourself and your family, and combat antimicrobial resistance.
Antibiotics Treat Some Bacterial Infections but Don’t Treat Any Viruses
Antibiotics aren’t always the answer when you’re sick. Your doctor needs to diagnose your condition to know how to treat it effectively. For example, they might prescribe antibiotics to treat or prevent a bacterial infection, such as:
Strep throat.
Whooping cough.
Urinary tract infection (UTI).
Antibiotics do not work on viruses and are not needed for many respiratory infections. Viral illnesses that cannot be treated with antibiotics include:
Common cold.
Influenza (flu).
COVID-19.
Always Take Your Antibiotics as Prescribed, Even if You Start to Feel Better
Antibiotics are most effective when you take them as prescribed. For antibiotics to work properly and help you get well, you should:
Take them exactly as prescribed.
Not skip doses.
Not save your doses for the next time you get sick.
Not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else.
Tell your health care professional about all the medications you are taking to reduce the chances of drug interactions and side effects.
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about your antibiotics or if you have any new or unusual symptoms or side effects while on the medication.
The misuse and overuse of antibiotics are contributing to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, also called antimicrobial resistance. This happens when bacteria (not your body) develop defenses against antibiotics, making it harder – and sometimes impossible – to treat an infection.
When someone becomes infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, their treatment can become more complicated. For example, fewer antibiotics are effective against their condition. In rare cases, treatment options are extremely limited or even nonexistent. In addition, the antimicrobial-resistant bacteria can spread to other people.
When antibiotics don’t work, the result can be:
Longer illnesses.
More complicated illnesses.
More medical appointments and longer hospital stays.
More deaths caused by bacterial infections.
By using antibiotics properly, you can help slow the spread of antimicrobial-resistant threats and ensure that these lifesaving drugs will work when you and your loved ones need them.
Taking medications for cholesterol and blood pressure might seem like a health burden for many. But there’s good news for those who have to depend on cardiovascular medications. Researchers have found that beyond their cardiovascular benefits, long-term use of these drugs, especially when used in combination, may offer protection against dementia.
The latest study conducted by Karolinska Institutet in Sweden revealed the use of common cardiovascular drugs for more than five years is associated with a reduced risk of dementia later in life.
“Previous studies have focused on individual drugs and specific patient groups but in this study, we take a broader approach,” said Alexandra Wennberg, a lead author of the paper.
The study analyzed dementia risk using data from Swedish national registers, involving around 88,000 individuals over the age of 70 who were diagnosed with dementia between 2011 and 2016. It also included 880,000 control participants. The researchers obtained data about the participants’ use of cardiovascular drugs from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register.
“The results show that long-term use of antihypertensive drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, diuretics, and blood-thinning drugs is associated with between 4 and 25 percent lower risk of dementia. Combinations of the drugs had stronger protective effects than if they were used alone,” the news release stated.
However, the researchers noted that the use of antiplatelet drugs for stroke prevention may be associated with a higher risk of dementia. This could be due to the increased risk of microbleeds in the brain caused by these drugs, which are linked to cognitive decline.
“The association between the use of common cardiovascular drugs and dementia risk suggests that these pathways may be explored for the development of dementia treatment though future research is necessary. Conversely, because antiplatelets are commonly used, it is important to further understand any long-term negative effects on cognitive outcomes.
Researchers believe that the new finding adds an important piece of the puzzle for finding new treatments for dementia. Also, since the study observed cognitive decline associated with antiplatelet use, it highlights the need to consider their potential long-term cognitive effects when prescribing these medications.
“We currently have no cure for dementia, so it’s important to find preventive measures,” said Wennberg.
Did traffic fatalities increase or decrease after cannabis legalization?
Is cannabis-impaired driving a public health and safety concern? Well, the number of tickets for cannabis-impaired driving went up in Washington State after legalization, as did the proportion of drivers in fatal car crashes in Colorado who tested positive for marijuana use. But, in both cases, this “may simply reflect a general increase in marijuana use” overall. It doesn’t mean that cannabis is causing the crashes, as I discuss in my video The Effects of Marijuana on Car Accidents.
There is a lot of evidence correlating marijuana use with car accidents, but who uses marijuana? Mostly young people and males. And guess who has a higher crash risk regardless of what they smoke? Young people and males. However, even taking that into account, it does seem that “roughly 20–30% of traffic crashes involving cannabis use occur because of the cannabis use.” But, to put that in perspective, that number is more like 85 percent when it comes to alcohol.
Aren’t cannabis crashes low-velocity fender-benders from an impaired driver going like five miles an hour? “After a systematic review of the literature,” a compilation of studies “examining acute cannabis consumption and motor vehicle collisions…found a near doubling of the risk of a driver being involved in a motor vehicle collision resulting in serious injury or death.” So, that’s pretty serious, but alcohol is even worse. Cannabis may double or triple the risk of car crashes, but alcohol may multiply the risk 6- to 15-fold. The combination may be even worse—25 times the odds of a fatal car crash involvement when testing positive for both cannabis and alcohol.
The “safety consequence of increased incidence of cannabis intoxication” when driving is listed as one of the “three primary reasons for concern about legalized cannabis….” Well, what happened in the U.S. states where marijuana was legalized? How much did traffic fatalities go up? They didn’t. In fact, they went down. What? “Why does legalizing medical marijuana reduce traffic fatalities?” Because of reduced alcohol consumption. It was found that “the legalization of medical marijuana is associated with reduced alcohol consumption, especially among young adults.” So, there was more drugged driving, but less drunk driving—and drunk driving is so much worse that fatalities went down overall.
So, perhaps we’d also see less liver disease and less alcohol-induced brain damage, as cannabis substitutes for some of the alcohol use. Indeed, researchers argued that “cannabis was unlikely to produce as much harm as alcohol because, unlike alcohol, cannabis did not cause liver and other gastrointestinal diseases, it was not fatal in overdoses, it did not appear to be as neurotoxic as alcohol, and it was not as potent a cause of car crashes as alcohol.”
“The health problems reported by cannabis dependent persons—e.g. bronchitis and impaired memory—are much less serious on average than those reported by persons who are alcohol dependent (e.g. delirium, liver disease, gastritis) but this does not mean that cannabis dependence is a minor problem.” When public health authorities bring that up, though, they may be criticized. In the 1940s and 1950s in the United States, for instance, after the repeal of Prohibition, we needed to warn people about the problems of heavy drinking, liver cirrhosis, and alcoholism, but some dismissed the concerns as if they were just “temperance propaganda.” We now see a similar situation, where the public health profession wants to educate people about the adverse health effects of cannabis but is dismissed as “reefer madness” hysterics.
Still, it’s important to put these adverse health effects in perspective. How does the safety of cannabis stack up against alcohol and tobacco? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “alcohol is linked to approximately 88,000 deaths per year,” whereas “there are no reported deaths due to cannabis.” (They’re from things like car accidents.) What’s more, they even go down when more people smoke pot because alcohol is so much worse. “With hindsight, we can clearly see the enormous problems that have been caused to many individuals and to society by tobacco and alcohol”—both legal drugs. “If asked to decide today which psychoactive drugs should be legal, cannabis (which rarely kills people) might well be judged as being comparatively benign” and may be much higher on the list.
I have many other videos on cannabis if you’re interested. Check out the related posts below.
I first released these videos in a webinar, and you can find them all on a digital download here.
Do you crave fatty foods during stress? While this is natural, adding hot cocoa or green tea to your meals might help. A recent study found that these flavonoid-rich drinks can counteract the negative effects of stress, even after eating a fatty meal.
The latest study published in the journal Food and Function investigated how flavanols, when consumed with fat, can help reduce the negative effects of fat on stress-related problems in endothelial function.
“We know that when people are stressed, they tend to gravitate towards high-fat foods. We have previously shown that fatty food can impair the body’s vascular recovery from stress. In this study, we wanted to see if adding a high-flavanol food to the fatty meal would alleviate the negative impact of stress in the body” said leading author Dr. Catarina Rendeiro in a news release.
The study looked at 23 young, healthy males and females who were given a breakfast of two butter croissants with cheese and milk, followed by either a high-flavanol cocoa drink or a low-flavanol cocoa drink.
After resting, the participants took a mental math test, which increased in difficulty over eight minutes, with incorrect answers flagged. The test is designed to create stress in participants like a scenario that would cause stress in their daily lives.
The researchers measured the participants’ blood flow in the forearm, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels in the prefrontal cortex ( anterior frontal lobe of the brain) during the test and while at rest. Using Brachial Flow-mediated Dilatation (FMD) tests, the researchers also assessed the blood vessel functions of the participants that would predict cardiovascular disease risk.
The results showed that those participants who consumed low-flavanol drinks had reduced vascular function, which lasted around 90 minutes even after the stressful event.
Meanwhile, the results of FMD tests were significantly higher in those who had high-flavanol cocoa compared to low-flavanol cocoa 30 and 90 minutes after the stressful period. FMD tests indicate how much the brachial artery widens when blood flow increases, so a higher value indicates lesser heart disease risk.
“This research shows that drinking or eating food high in flavanols can be used as a strategy to mitigate some of the impact of poorer food choices on the vascular system. This can help us make more informed decisions about what we eat and drink during stressful periods,” added Dr. Rendeiro.
All orders are protected by SSL encryption – the highest industry standard for online security from trusted vendors.
Sales page – 9D Breathwork is backed with a 60 Day No Questions Asked Money Back Guarantee. If within the first 60 days of receipt you are not satisfied with Wake Up Lean™, you can request a refund by sending an email to the address given inside the product and we will immediately refund your entire purchase price, with no questions asked.
